Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Analgesia

Pain Management for Short and Minimally Invasive Procedures

At Comfort Procedures, we strive to help adult male and female patients achieve optimum well-being, no matter their age, with with safe and comfortable procedures, now with the option of nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective anxiolytic and analgesic agent that is mixed with oxygen. Nitrous oxide is used during
procedures and treatments to help make you feel more comfortable.

How does the nitrous and oxygen analgesia system work?

The nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia system delivers a safe mixture of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and oxygen (O₂) which is
inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask, providing you with control over self-administration. Your doctor will ask you to
breathe normally through your mouth, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the gas
mixture. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off within 5-10 minutes after the last inhalation of the N₂O/O₂ mixture.

Will this put you to sleep?

No. The nitrous oxide and oxygen ratio provided is not strong enough to provide anesthesia and put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the doctors may have.

How will I feel while using nitrous oxide?

Most patients say it makes them feel relaxed, and their arms and legs feel light. Some patients feel tingling in their extremities and report feeling like they are floating or sinking. As nitrous oxide is often called “laughing gas,” some patients will feel giggly when the gas mixture takes effect. Your voice may temporarily change during the administration of nitrous oxide since vocal cords are affected by nitrous oxide.

How fast does nitrous oxide take effect and how long does the effect last?

For most patients, the calming, relaxing effects of nitrous oxide will be felt within a minute or two or after a couple of deep inhalation/exhalation cycles. Effects may vary from patient to patient. Once you stop inhaling the gas mixture, you will start feeling back to normal within 5-10 minutes.

Can I drive home after using nitrous oxide?

This is dependent upon the procedure performed, other medications administered, etc. For example, if you are also administered Valium for anxiety during your procedure, the effects of Valium will not allow you to operate machinery safely. The effects of nitrous oxide and oxygen on their own are completely out of your system within a few minutes. It is reasonable that you can safely drive home about 10 minutes after ceasing use of nitrous oxide and oxygen, assuming all other discharge criteria have been met.

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Does nitrous oxide eliminate pain?

Nitrous oxide does not eliminate pain. This is important to understand and to set your expectations. Nitrous oxide is considered an analgesic and anesthetic in that it works to dull pain and reduce anxiety. It will not replace the anesthetic (lidocaine) which is used to numb the procedure area locally. Nitrous oxide is intended to take the edge off, help you relax, feel more comfortable, and reduce anxiety. This is not something you would use alone for extremely painful procedures.

Is nitrous oxide safe?

Nitrous oxide has been used for over 100 years [1] and has a long-standing safety record. When the Nitronox device is used, you are awake (conscious), responsive, and breathing normally on your own.

What are the typical side effects that one might feel?

Side effects are usually minimal and temporary. With a self-administered protocol, you are in total control minimizing side effects. Side effects that can occur in some patients, typically with higher levels of nitrous oxide than we provide, are dizziness and nausea. If you do not like how you are feeling, stop inhaling the N₂O/O₂ mixture and breathe room air. This should quickly reverse any negative effects.

For which procedures is nitrous oxide used?

Nitrous oxide can be used for ANY procedures offered by Comfort Procedures, including:

  • Vasectomy
  • HRT pellet insertion
  • Circumcision
  • Frenulectomy and skin bridge repair
  • Preputioplasty
Benefits and Advantages

  • Provides comfort and reduces anxiety
  • Self-administered
  • Fast acting
  • Quick recovery
  • Alternative for and reduces the need for oral medications and opioids
  • Cost-effective
Will my insurance cover this procedure?

While nitrous oxide has been used during medical procedures for decades, the use of nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia systems is not currently covered by insurance. It is considered an “add-on service” for treatments and procedures, which you will discuss with your provider.

How much does it cost?

The cost of using a nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia system varies by clinic and specialty. At Comfort Procedures our goal is to provide our patients with the most comfortable experience possible, so we charge only $100 for nitrous oxide
use, which covers our costs.

Ask your healthcare provider if nitrous oxide can be used during your procedure!

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469-931-0684